In 2022, the African Union Commission (AUC) adopted the African Union Data Policy Framework (AU DPF) as a continental guide to help Member States establish coherent, inclusive, and rights-based data governance systems. The AU DPF addresses key challenges such as data protection, privacy, ethical data use, cross-border data flows, and data sovereignty, while promoting digital innovation and economic integration across the continent. It provides a common vision and principles for Member States to develop and harmonise national and regional data governance frameworks aligned with Africa’s development priorities, including Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). To support implementation and domestication of the AU DPF, the “Data Governance in Africa Initiative” has been assisting African countries in developing data policies that are context-specific but aligned with the AU DPF. This session at the Africa Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF) will focus on the experiences, lessons and best practices related to three interrelated areas: • Aligning National Data Policies with the AU Data Policy Framework • Utilising Multistakeholder, participatory and inclusive Approaches in Data Policy Development. • Fostering effective Interorganisational Collaboration for the effective development of Data Policies. The panel will bring together representatives from governments, data protection authorities, civil society, the private sector and project implementation partners to share insights on the policy development process, practical experiences in aligning with the AU DPF, and the challenges encountered. It will examine how national governments are adapting AU DPF principles to their local contexts. A key focus will be the importance of multistakeholder approaches in shaping inclusive, transparent, and effective data policy development. Engaging a broad spectrum of actors—ICT ministries, regulators, private sector, academia, civil society, and affected communities—ensures that data policies are not only technically sound but also socially relevant and widely accepted. The session will also explore how interorganisational cooperation is essential to harmonisation. Examples will be drawn from countries that have initiated collaborative structures or policy dialogues to align their frameworks with the AU DPF. Participants will gain: • Practical insights on aligning national data policies with the AU DPF • Lessons on inclusive policy development through multistakeholder processes • Strategies for effective coordination across institutions This session will contribute to building a unified and resilient data governance landscape in Africa—one that balances innovation, economic growth, and the protection of rights in the digital age.
